NSF proposal--rotator PD

[Vid]

Folks,

I sent an abstract to the PD 5 weeks ago but still my proposal status is "pending". The PD said July 30 is his last day at NSF ! and a new PD will start afterward. Is this delay due to the PD transition? Has anyone been in the same situation before?

Thank you.

[PScientist]

I was going to say that 5 weeks is not very long in NSF time.  In my experience, full proposals that are eventually funded tend to sit at "pending" for about 6 months.  But you mention this was an "abstract," so a preliminary proposal that would lead to an invitation to submit a full proposal?  We don't have those in my field, but I think those decisions should quicker -- but I don't have any experience to know how much quicker.

[Vid]

It is recommended for funding, the PD requested for an abstract and I emailed it to him, but my proposal is still pending after 5 weeks. The program got a new PD!

Grant proposals can take months until you hear back and 6 months is just the average timeframe for review process!

Thank you.

[PScientist]

Now I understand your situation - sorry for the confusion.  I am looking back at my emails from my last NSF grant renewal.  I sent an abstract on July 2.  The status changed from "pending" to "recommended" on July 25, and to "awarded" on August 24, with a September 1 start date.  So 5 weeks in "pending" does seem like a bit of a delay, and it is certainly possible that the transition between rotating program officers is part of the slowdown.

[research_prof]

5 weeks in NSF time is nothing. You should start worrying after 2 months. However, to be fair, my latest proposal was recommended and funded in about 10 days after I heard back from the PD. But I believe this was an one off, since all my other proposals needed like 1.5-2 months to be officially recommended.

I do not think the PD change should be a problem. NSF is a well-organized agency so I believe you can contact the new PD or the division director if you do not hear back after some time.

I have been in your shoes, so I definitely understand your position. Sit tight.

[born_a_prof]

I got recommended 2 months after sending abstract, and awarded another week after that. This was just last week

[Vid]

Yes, it seems NSF is a lit behind. My proposal status changed to recommended last Monday--it took almost 2 months from the time I emailed the abstract to recommended statues!